Soft-sided carrying case

ABSTRACT

A soft-sided carrying case comprises a lower compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall, at least one upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and at least one hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall of the upper compartment to a selected sidewall of the lower compartment. The hinge permits the upper compartment to pivot about a hinge line between a folded position in which the bottom wall of the upper compartment is disposed in confronting relation with at least a portion of the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfolded position. In at least one exemplary form, the hinge may be defined exclusively by first and second flexible layers, with each of the layers including a first longitudinal edge secured adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the lower compartment and a second longitudinal edge secured adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the upper compartment.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from earlier filed U.S.application Ser. No. 09/759,683, filed Jan. 12, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to soft-sided carrying cases and,more specifically, to soft-sided carrying cases having at least oneshiftable compartment supported by a hinge assembly, thus permitting theshiftable compartment to shift between a folded position and an unfoldedposition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Soft-sided luggage or soft-sided carrying cases are generallywell known in the art. Soft-sided carrying cases typically offer one ormore distinct advantages over conventional luggage. For example,soft-sided luggage is typically lighter weight than conventionalluggage, it can typically be carried using a shoulder strap, ittypically includes external pockets that can be accessed withoutcompletely opening the case, and, if it is well built, it is less proneto damage from improper handling.

[0004] Despite the popularity of known soft-sided carrying cases orluggage, there is a continuing need for improvements in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Certain features and advantages in the apparatus disclosed andclaimed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed descriptions and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a soft-sided carryingcase assembled in accordance with the teachings of a first preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0007]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the soft-sided carrying case ofclaim 1 shown with the upper compartments opened to their unfoldedpositions;

[0008]FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but illustratingthe flaps to the various compartments opened;

[0009]FIG. 3A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but showing analternate form for the panels or flaps;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device of FIGS. 1-3 butillustrating an optional leg assembly;

[0011]FIG. 5 is a view of the device of FIG. 4 but taken from adifferent perspective;

[0012]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a second preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a third preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIGS. 7A(i) through 7A(v) are enlarged fragmentarycross-sectional views of a number of alternative arrangements in thearea of the hinge line, which alternative arrangements are equallyapplicable to any of the embodiments disclosed herein;

[0015]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7 butillustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;

[0016]FIG. 8A(i) through 8A(v) are enlarged fragmentary views inperspective taken about the circumscribed portion of FIG. 8 andillustrating a number of alternative details in the area surrounding thehinge, which details are equally applicable to any of the embodimentsdisclosed herein;

[0017]FIG. 8B(i) through 8B(v) are enlarged fragmentary elevationalviews taken about the circumscribed portion of FIG. 7 and illustratingalternative details similar to those shown in FIGS. 8A(i) through 8A(v),but illustrating those details applied to the outside surface of thesoft-sided carrying case;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a fourth preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 9 butillustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;

[0020]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 11 butillustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;

[0022]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a sixth preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0023]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 13 butillustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;

[0024]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a seventh preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0025]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 15 butillustrating all of the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;

[0026]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of two of the upper compartmentsthat have been separated from the balance of the soft-sided carryingcase of any of the previously shown embodiments and which are beingshown being attached to each other to form an additional smallersoft-sided carrying case;

[0027]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of an eighth preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0028]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 18 butillustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;

[0029]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a ninth preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0030]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 20 butillustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;

[0031]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a tenth preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0032]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 22 butillustrating the upper compartments in partially unfolded positions;

[0033]FIG. 24 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 23 but illustratingthe upper compartments in more fully unfolded positions;

[0034]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of yet another preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0035]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 25 butillustrating the upper compartments in unfolded positions;

[0036]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case havingat least one shiftable compartment supported by an improved hingeassembly according to a still further example of the invention;

[0037]FIG. 28 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 27 but showing theshiftable compartment in an unfolded position;

[0038]FIG. 29 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view takenalong line 29-29 of FIG. 28;

[0039]FIG. 30 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 27 and 28 butshowing the two shiftable compartments in an unfolded position;

[0040]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 27 taken fromthe opposite perspective;

[0041]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case havingat least one shiftable compartment supported by an improved hingeassembly according to yet another further example of the invention;

[0042]FIG. 33 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the carrying caseof FIG. 32 showing one of the compartments in an unfolded position;

[0043]FIG. 34 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken about thecircumscribed portion of FIG. 33 and showing an exemplary two-panelfabric hinge for use on one or more of the preceding exemplarysoft-sided cases;

[0044]FIG. 35 is a fragmentary view in perspective similar to FIG. 33but employing a detachable hinge mechanism;

[0045]FIG. 36 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view takenalong line 36-36 of FIG. 35;

[0046]FIG. 37 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective of anotherdetachable hinge mechanism;

[0047]FIG. 38 is a fragmentary view in perspective similar to FIGS. 33and 35 but employing another exemplary form of a detachable hingemechanism;

[0048]FIG. 39 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of thedetachable hinge mechanism of FIG. 38 and showing the compartment in anunfolded position;

[0049]FIG. 40 is a fragmentary view in perspective similar to FIGS. 33,35 and 38 but employing still another exemplary form of a detachablehinge mechanism;

[0050]FIG. 41 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of thedetachable hinge mechanism of FIG. 40 and showing the compartment in anunfolded position;

[0051]FIG. 42 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspectiveillustrating one possible manner by which the hinge mechanism of FIGS.40 and 41 may be detached;

[0052]FIGS. 43 through 46 illustrate another soft-sided carrying casesimilar to those shown in FIGS. 11 through 14 and having at least twodetachable compartments that may be detached from the main compartmentand mated with each other to form another, smaller carrying case; and

[0053]FIG. 47 is an elevational view of a soft-sided carrying casedisposed in an upright position with one end supported on a supportsurface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] The following description of the preferred embodiments is notintended to limit the scope of the invention to the precise formsdisclosed, but instead is intended to be illustrative of the principlesof the invention so that others skilled in the art may follow itsteachings.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, a soft-sided carryingcase assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present inventionis generally referred to by the reference numeral 10. The soft-sidedcarrying case generally includes four sidewalls 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, and 10d, a bottom wall 10 e and a top wall 10 f (FIG. 1). The case 10 furtherincludes a lower compartment 12 and a pair of upper compartments 14 and16. The lower compartment 12 includes a plurality of sidewalls 12 a, 12b 12 c, and 12 d. The lower compartment 12 also includes a bottom wall12 e and a top wall 12 f (visible in FIGS. 2 and 3). The first uppercompartment 14 includes four sidewalls 14 a, 14 b, 14 c (obscured inFIG. 1 but visible in FIGS. 2 and 3), and 14 d. The first uppercompartment 14 also includes a bottom wall 14 e and a top wall 14 f (thebottom wall 14 e being visible in FIGS. 2 and 3). The second uppercompartment 16 includes sidewalls 16 a, 16 b, 16 c (visible in FIG. 3),and 16 d. The second upper compartment also includes a bottom wall 16 eand a top wall 16 f (visible in FIG. 2). The first and second uppercompartments 14, 16 are separated from the lower compartment 12 by aboundary or interface 18.

[0056] As will be outlined in greater detail below, the first uppercompartment 14 is pivotable about a first hinge line 14 g between theclosed or folded position of FIG. 1 and the open or unfolded positionsof FIGS. 2 and 3. Similarly, the second upper compartment 16 ispivotable about a hinge line 16 g between the closed or folded positionof FIG. 1 and the open or unfolded positions of FIGS. 2 and 3. It willbe noted that the hinge lines 14 g and 16 g are generally adjacent tothe interface 18 (i.e., the hinge lines 14 g and 16 g may lie in thesame plane as the interface 18).

[0057] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, it will be noted that thesidewall 14 a of the first upper compartment 14 is generally contiguouswith the sidewall 12 a of the lower compartment (i.e., the sidewall 14 aof the first upper compartment 14 is an extension of the sidewall 12 aof the lower compartment). Similarly, the sidewall 16 a of the secondupper compartment 16 is contiguous with or is an extension of thesidewall 12 c of the lower compartment 12.

[0058] The soft-sided carrying case 10 preferably includes a zipper 20which engages each of the first and second upper compartments 14, 16 inorder to secure each of the first and second upper compartments 14, 16in their respective closed positions, such as is shown in FIG. 1. Uponrelease of the zipper 20, the first and second upper compartments 14, 16may be pivoted about their respective hinge lines 14 g, 16 g to theirrespective unfolded positions as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The zipper 20may be disposed along a longitudinal edge 14 h, 16 h (FIG. 1), of thefirst and second upper compartments 14, 16.

[0059] Instead of the zipper 20, it will be appreciated that alternateclosure mechanisms may be provided in order to secure the first andsecond upper compartments 14, 16 in there respective folded positions.At least some of these possible alternate mechanisms are discussed belowwith respect to other forms of preferred embodiments. It will beunderstood that the closure mechanisms of the various embodiments may bereadily substituted for each other as would be apparent to those ofskill in the art.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 1, the soft-sided carrying case 10 willpreferably include a handle 22, which in the preferred embodiment shownwill include a pair of straps 22 a, 22 b, which straps 22 a and/or 22 bmay be removably attached to the soft-sided carrying case 10 by areleasable mechanism such as one or more buckles 24, such ascommercially available Litelock® buckles. Alternatively, the straps 22 aand 22 b may be permanently affixed to the soft-sided case 10, such asby sewing, etc. The straps 22 a and 22 b will preferably be joinable toform the handle 22 using a section 25 of flexible material which isjoinable using hook and loop closures or similar material as is known inthe art. Additional handles 26, 28 may also be provided as desired, withthe number of additional handles being within the choice of thedesigner. At least one of the handles (i.e., the handle 28) may beextendable, and when used in conjunction with a plurality of wheels 30will enable the soft-sided carrying case 10 to be wheeled in a fashionsimilar to a luggage cart. The handle 28 may be made of commerciallyavailable materials, and further will preferably have a telescopinghandle 28 a enabling the entire handle 28 to be stowed in a zipperpocket in the bottom wall 10 e of the carrying case 10. The wheels 30are preferably commercially available in-line skate style wheels usingsealed ball bearings. Other commercially available wheels may also beused.

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower compartment 12preferably includes one or more panels or flaps 32 a, 32 b in the topwall 12 f of the lower compartment 12. As shown, the flaps 32 a, 32 beach include a zipper 34, which enable the flaps 32 a, 32 b to be openedas shown in FIG. 3 to provide access to the lower compartment 12. Itwill be appreciated that one or more interior dividers 36 may beprovided as desired inside the lower compartment 12.

[0062] Each of the bottom walls 14 f, 16 f of the first and second uppercompartments 14, 16, respectively, will preferably include a panel orflap 36 a, 36 b, respectively. A zipper 38 maybe provided for each ofthe flaps 36 a, 36 b, thus enabling the flaps 36 a, 36 b to be securedin the closed position shown in FIG. 2 or opened to provide access tothe first and second upper compartments 14, 16, as is shown in FIG. 3.One or more interior dividers 40 may be provided in either of the uppercompartments 14, 16.

[0063] It will be appreciated that the soft-sided carrying case 10 mayinclude additional compartments, such as side compartments or pockets(not shown) and/or end compartments or pockets (not shown), all of whichare commonly used in the art. The soft-sided carrying case 10 may alsoinclude one or more mesh pockets of known construction.

[0064] The zippers used herein are preferably heavy-duty zippers, whichzippers preferably have been taped as is known in the art. Further, thesoft-sided case 10 may constructed of any one of a variety ofcommercially available fabrics and/or materials, all of which may bechosen based on design considerations for the specific application andall of which would be known to those of skill in the art. Rip-stopmaterials, which are readily available, may also be used.

[0065] In operation, the soft-sided carrying case 10 would normally beused and/or transported in the configuration of FIG. 1 with the firstand second upper compartments 14, 16 in their respective closed orfolded positions, generally overlying the lower compartment 12. Thezipper 20 is shown securing the upper compartments 14, 16 in the foldedpositions. Using the section 25 the straps 22 a and 22 b may be joinedtogether to form the handle 22. It will be understood that thesoft-sided carrying case 10 may be readily assembled using known methodsof manufacturing.

[0066] When it is desired to access the lower compartment and/or thefirst and second upper compartments 14, 16, the zipper 20 (or otherclosing mechanism) should be disengaged, as should the section 25holding the straps 22 a and 22 b together. Either or both of the uppercompartments 14, 16 may be pivoted about their respective hinge lines 14g, 16 g to the unfolded positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Access to theupper compartments 14, 16 may be gained by disengaging the zippers 38(or other closing mechanism), thus enabling the flaps 36 a and 36 b tobe opened. Access to the lower compartment 12 is gained by disengagingthe zippers 34 (or other closing mechanism) thus enabling the flaps 32 aand/or 32 b to be opened.

[0067] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 the hinge line 14 g may be definedsolely by a flexible portion 10 g of the sidewall 10 a, while the hingeline 16 g may be formed solely by a flexible portion 10 h of thesidewall 10 c, with no actual physical hinge structure being employed.It will be appreciated that the flexible portions 10 g and 10 h aredisposed substantially in line with the interface 18 between the lowercompartment 12 and the first and second upper compartments 14 and 16.Alternatively, the hinge lines 14 g and 16 g may be defined by actualphysical hinge structures as shown and described below with respect tothe other embodiments.

[0068] Each of the upper compartments 14, 16 may also include anadditional exterior flap or zipper (not shown) in order to provideaccess to the first and second upper compartments 14, 16 withoutpivoting the upper compartments 14, 16 to their unfolded positions.Further, additional side pockets may be provided on the soft-sidedcarrying case 10 in a manner that is known to those skilled in the art.Further, it will be understood that the bottom wall 10 e may beconstructed of a relatively stiff material or a rigid material forgreater durability. Such relatively stiff and/or rigid materials areknown to those skilled in the art and are readily available.

[0069] Compression straps (not shown) may be provided in order to securethe upper compartments in their closed positions.

[0070] Also, it will further be appreciated that zippers shown above maybe replaced with any number of known closing or securing mechanisms,such as, by way of example and not limitation, straps, buckles, snaps,buttons, and hook and loop closure materials.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 3A, an alternate form for the soft-sidedcarrying case is shown, also designated as 10 for ease of reference. Thesoft-sided carrying case 10 illustrated therein is substantially similarto the soft-sided case 10 discussed above, with each of the likeelements retaining the same reference characters. As shown in FIG. 3A,the lower compartment 12 includes only a single flap 32 a with a zipper34. It will be appreciated that the lower compartment 12 may includeadditional access flaps (not shown), with the actual number andconfiguration of the access flaps being governed by designconsiderations.

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, any of the embodiments of thesoft-sided carrying case disclosed herein may optionally be equippedwith a retractable stand 42. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,the soft-sided carrying case 10 is shown equipped with the optionalstand 42. As shown in FIG. 5, the stand 42 may include a pair of legs 44and 46. The leg 44 includes an upper end 44 a attached to the soft-sidedcarrying case 10 by a pivot 44 b, while the leg 46 includes an upper end46 a attached to the soft-sided case 10 by a pivot 46 b. A cross bar 48is disposed to connect a lower end 44 c of the leg 44 to a lower end 46c of the leg 46. A strap 50 engages the cross bar 48 and the case 10 inorder to limit the extension of the stand 42 away from the case 10. Apair of hook and loop retaining straps 52 are provided in order toretain the stand 42 in a retracted position against the bottom wall 10 eof the carrying case 10 when the stand 42 is not in use.

[0073] Referring now to FIG. 6, a soft-sided carrying case assembled inaccordance with the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of theinvention is generally referred to by the reference numeral 110. Forease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to theelements described above with respect to the first embodiment willretain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by100. The soft-sided carrying case 110 generally includes four sidewalls110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d, a bottom wall 110 e, which may be rigid,and a top wall. The case 110 further includes a lower compartment 112and a pair of upper compartments 114 and 116. The lower compartment 112includes a plurality of sidewalls 112 a, 112 b, 112 c, and 112 d. Thelower compartment 112 also includes a bottom wall 112 e. It will benoted that no top wall is shown for the compartment 112, with the upperextent of the compartment 112 being defined upon the closing of thecompartments 114 and 116. Alternatively, a top wall (not shown) or amesh panel (not shown) may be provided.

[0074] The first upper compartment 114 includes encircling sidewalls 114a, a bottom wall 114 e and a top wall 114 f, which may be defined by aflap or a mesh panel. The second upper compartment 116 includessidewalls 116 a, and includes a bottom wall 16 e and a top wall 16 f,which may be defined by a flap or a mesh panel. The first and secondupper compartments 114, 116 are pivotally joined to the lowercompartment 112 by one or more hinges 14 g, 16 g which lie along aninterface 118 between the upper compartments 114, 116 and the lowercompartment 112, and which permit pivotal movement of the uppercompartments between the folded positions (i.e., with the uppercompartments 114, 116 disposed above the lower compartment 112 in themanner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and theopen or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, the embodimentof FIG. 6 will include a seal 119 disposed at the interface 118 of thelower compartment 112 and the upper compartments 114, 116. Flaps 136 a,136 b are provided for the compartments 114, 116, respectively, each ofthe flaps 136 a and 136 b being closeable with a zipper 138 or similarclosing mechanism. The carrying case 110 preferably includes one or moreclosing buckles 120. The soft-sided carrying case 110 will alsopreferably include one or more handles 126, 128, with the handles 128being extendable. A plurality of wheels (not shown) may also beprovided.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a third preferredembodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the referencenumeral 210. For case of reference, all elements that are the same orsimilar to the elements described above with respect to the firstembodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have beenincreased by 200. The soft-sided carrying case 210 generally includesfour sidewalls 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, and 210 d, a bottom wall 210 e and atop wall 210 f. The case 210 further includes a lower compartment 212and a pair of upper compartments 214 and 216. The lower compartment 212includes a plurality of sidewalls 212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d. Thelower compartment 212 also includes a bottom wall 212 e and a top wall212 f (FIG. 8).

[0076] The first upper compartment 214 includes a plurality of sidewalls214 a, a bottom wall 214 e (FIG. 8) and a top wall 214 f (FIG. 7). Thesecond upper compartment 216 includes a plurality of sidewalls 216A, andincludes a bottom wall 216 e (FIG. 8) and a top wall 216 f (FIG. 7). Thefirst and second upper compartments 214, 216 are pivotally joined to thelower compartment 212 by a flexible fabric hinge 214 h, 216 h,respectively, defined in the sidewalls 210 b and 210 d of the soft-sidedcarrying case 210, and lying generally along an interface 218 betweenthe upper compartments 214, 216 and the lower compartment 212. Thefabric hinges 214 h, 216 h permit pivotal movement of the uppercompartments 214, 216 between the folded positions (i.e., with the uppercompartments 214, 216 disposed above the lower compartment 212 in themanner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and theopen or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 8.

[0077] An access flap 232 a having a zipper 234 is provided in the topwall 212 f of the lower compartment 212. Flaps 236 a, 236 b are providedfor the compartments 214, 216, respectively, each of the flaps 236 a and236 b being closeable with a zipper 238 or similar closing mechanism.The carrying case 210 preferably includes one or more sections of hookand loop closure mechanisms 220. Alternatively, straps or othermechanisms may be used. The soft-sided carrying case 210 will alsopreferably include a shoulder strap 226 (FIG. 7), or a handle (notshown).

[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 7A(i) through 7A(v), alternative detailsare shown for the construction of the soft-sided carrying case 210 inthe region of the hinge line 216 h. It will be understood that thedetails shown therein are equally applicable to the hinge line 214 h,and also are equally applicable to any of the other embodimentsdescribed herein. However, for the sake of brevity, the details will bediscussed only with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8. For easeof reference, to the extent possible similar elements will retain likereference numerals through each of FIGS. 7A(i) through 7A(v).

[0079] As shown in FIG. 7A(i), a fabric strap 217 having an upper edge217 a and a lower edge 217 b is secured to the soft-sided carrying case210. The upper edge 217 a is secured to the upper compartment 216 by aline of stitching 217 c, while the lower edge 217 b is secured to thelower compartment 21 by a line of stitching 217 d. Two additional straps219 a and 219 b are provided, with the strap 219 a being stitched to theupper edge 217 a as well as to the upper compartment 216, and with thestrap 219 b being stitched to the lower edge 217 b as well as to thelower compartment 212. Preferably, the lines of stitching may be bartackstitching for greater durability in high stress areas.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7A(ii), a single fabric strap 217 may beemployed, having an upper edge 217 a stitched at 217 c to the uppercompartment 216, and further having a lower edge 217 b stitched at 217 dto the lower compartment 212.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 7A(iii), a line of piping 217 may be employedalong the hinge line 216 h.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 7A(iv), a zipper 217 may be disposed along thehinge line 216 h. The zipper 217 is preferably a #8 or #10 heavy-duty,taped, clear coil zipper.

[0083]FIG. 7A(v) is similar in all respects to FIG. 7A(i), except forthe addition of a line of stitching 217 at the hinge line 216 h whichmay be required when the upper compartment 216 and the lower compartment212 are manufactured of dissimilar materials or dissimilar colors.

[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 8A(i) through 8A(v), further alternativedetails are shown for the construction of the soft-sided carrying case210 in the region of the hinge line 216 h. It will again be understoodthat the details shown therein are equally applicable to the hinge line214 h, and also are equally applicable to any of the other embodimentsdescribed herein. Again, for the sake of brevity, the details will bediscussed only with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8. For easeof reference, to the extent possible similar elements will retain likereference numerals through each of FIGS. 7A(i) through 7A(v).

[0085] As shown in each of FIGS. 8A(i) through 8A(v), a fabric strap 217having edges 217 a and 217 b is secured to each of the upper and lowercompartments shown, 216 and 212, respectively. In each of the detailsshown, the straps are secured such that the straps 217 are only revealedupon opening of the upper compartment 216 to its unfolded position. InFIG. 8A(i), the strap 217 is secured by one or more fasteners 217 c,such as a snap, a rivet, a threaded bolt, a button, or any othersuitable fastener, either alone or in combination with stitching.

[0086] FIGS. 8A(ii) and 8A(iii) illustrate straps 217 having differentoverall dimensions secured by bartack stitching. FIGS. 8A(iv) and 8A(v)illustrate straps 217 secured in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS.7A(i) and (ii), albeit with the details being applied to the inside ofthe hinge line 216 h rather than to the outside of the case 210.

[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 8B(i) through 8B(v), illustrated thereinare arrangements similar to FIGS. 8A(i) through (v), but with each ofthe respective arrangements being shown secured to the outside of thesoft-sided carrying case 210.

[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a fourth preferredembodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the referencenumeral 310. For ease of reference, all elements that are the same orsimilar to the elements described above with respect to the firstembodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have beenincreased by 300. The soft-sided carrying case 310 generally includesfour sidewalls 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, and 310 d, a bottom wall 310 e and atop wall 310 f. The case 310 further includes a lower compartment 312and a pair of upper compartments 314 and 316. The lower compartment 312includes a plurality of sidewalls 312 a, 312 b, 312 c, and 312 d. Thelower compartment 312 also includes a bottom wall 312 e and a top wall312 f(FIG. 10).

[0089] The first upper compartment 314 includes a plurality of sidewalls314 a, a bottom wall 314 e (FIG. 10) and a top wall 314 f. The secondupper compartment 316 includes a plurality of sidewalls 316 a, andincludes a bottom wall 316 e and a top wall 316 f. The first and secondupper compartments 314, 316 are pivotally joined to the lowercompartment 312 along a pair of hinge lines 314 g, 316 g, respectively,defined in the sidewalls 310 b and 310 d of the soft-sided carrying case310 by a two lines of stitching 314 h, 316 h, respectively. The lines ofstitching 314 h, 316 h are disposed lying generally along an interface318 between the upper compartments 314, 316 and the lower compartment312. Other suitable hinges may be employed. Thus, the upper compartments314, 316 are shiftable between the folded positions (i.e., with theupper compartments 314, 316 disposed above the lower compartment 312 inthe manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and theopen or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 10.

[0090] An access flap 332 a having a zipper 334 is provided in the topwall 312 f of the lower compartment 312. Flaps 336 a, 336 b are providedfor the compartments 314, 316, respectively, each of the flaps 336 a and336 b being closeable with a zipper 338 or similar closing mechanism.The carrying case 310 preferably includes one or more sections of hookand loop closure mechanisms 320. Alternatively, straps or othermechanisms may be used. The soft-sided carrying case 310 will alsopreferably include a suitable handle 322 and or an extendible handle328.

[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferredembodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the referencenumeral 410. For ease of reference, all elements that are the same orsimilar to the elements described above with respect to the firstembodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have beenincreased by 400. The soft-sided carrying case 410 generally includesfour sidewalls 410 a, 410 b, 410 c, and 410 d, a bottom wall 410 e and atop wall 410 f. The case 410 further includes a lower compartment 412and a pair of upper compartments 414 and 416. The lower compartment 412includes a plurality of sidewalls 412 a, 412 b, 412 c, and 412 d. Thelower compartment 412 also includes a bottom wall 412 e and a top wall412 f(FIG. 12).

[0092] The first upper compartment 414 includes a plurality of sidewalls414 a, a bottom wall 414 e (FIG. 12) and a top wall 414 f. The secondupper compartment 416 includes a plurality of sidewalls 416 a, andincludes a bottom wall 416 e (FIG. 12) and a top wall 416 f. The firstand second upper compartments 414, 416 are pivotally joined to the lowercompartment 412 along a pair of hinge lines 414 g, 416 g, respectively,defined in the sidewalls 410 a and 410 c of the soft-sided carrying case410 by a releasable zippers 414 h, 416 h, respectively. The zippers 414h, 416 h are disposed lying generally along an interface 418 between theupper compartments 414, 416 and the lower compartment 412. Othersuitable releasable mechanisms may be employed. Thus, the uppercompartments 414, 416 are shiftable between the folded positions (i.e.,with the upper compartments 414, 416 disposed above the lowercompartment 412 in the manner described above with respect to the firstembodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 12.

[0093] As with the above embodiments, suitable access flaps may beprovided to provide access to the various compartments. Also, carryingcase 410 preferably includes one or more closing straps 420, each ofwhich may include one or more buckles 421 or other suitable releasableclosing mechanisms, such as straps having hook and loop closures, snaps,buttons, etc. The soft-sided carrying case 410 will also preferablyinclude a suitable handle, such as the handle 422.

[0094] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferredembodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the referencenumeral 510. For ease of reference, all elements that are the same orsimilar to the elements described above with respect to the firstembodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have beenincreased by 500. The soft-sided carrying case 510 generally includesfour sidewalls 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, and 510 d, a bottom wall 510 e and atop wall 510 f. The case 510 further includes a lower compartment 512and a pair of upper compartments 514 and 516. The lower compartment 512includes a plurality of sidewalls 512 a, 512 b, 512 c, and 512 d. Thelower compartment 512 also includes a bottom wall 512 e and a top wall512 f(FIG. 14).

[0095] The first upper compartment 514 includes a plurality of sidewalls514 a, a bottom wall 514 e (FIG. 14) and a top wall 514 f. The secondupper compartment 516 includes a plurality of sidewalls 516 a, andincludes a bottom wall 516 e (FIG. 14) and a top wall 516 f. The firstand second upper compartments 514, 516 are pivotally joined to the lowercompartment 512 along a pair of hinge lines 514 g, 516 g, respectively,defined in the sidewalls 510 b and 510 d of the soft-sided carrying case510 by lines of stitching 514 h, 516, respectively. The lines ofstitching 514 h, 516 h are disposed lying generally along an interface518 between the upper compartments 514, 516 and the lower compartment512. Other suitable hinge mechanisms may be employed. Thus, the uppercompartments 514, 516 are shiftable between the folded positions (i.e.,with the upper compartments 514, 516 disposed above the lowercompartment 512 in the manner described above with respect to the firstembodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 14.

[0096] As with the above embodiments, suitable internal and/or externalaccess flaps may be provided to provide access to the variouscompartments. Also, carrying case 510 preferably includes one or moreclosing straps 520, each of which may include one or more buckles 521 orother suitable releasable closing mechanisms, such as straps having hookand loop closures, snaps, buttons, etc. The soft-sided carrying case 510will also preferably include a suitable handle, such as the handle 522,and/or a shoulder strap 523.

[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a sixth preferredembodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the referencenumeral 610. For ease of reference, all elements that are the same orsimilar to the elements described above with respect to the firstembodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have beenincreased by 600. The soft-sided carrying case 610 generally includesfour sidewalls 610 a, 610 b, 610 c, and 610 d, a bottom wall 610 e and atop wall 610 f. The case 610 further includes a lower compartment 612and three upper compartments 614, 615, and 616. The lower compartment612 includes a plurality of sidewalls 612 a. The lower compartment 612also includes a bottom wall 612 e and a top wall 612 f (FIG. 16).

[0098] Each of the upper compartments 614, 615, and 616 includes aplurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall. As shown in FIG.16, all three compartments 614, 615, and 616 are pivotally joined to thelower compartment 612 by hinges 614 g, 615 g, and 616 g, respectively,disposed along an interface 618. Thus, all three of the uppercompartments 614, 615, and 616 are shiftable between the foldedpositions (i.e., with the upper compartments 614, 615, and/or 616disposed above the lower compartment 612) and the open or unfoldedpositions shown in FIG. 16.

[0099]FIG. 17 illustrates the manner by which any of the uppercompartments of the previously mentioned embodiments (for example, theupper compartments 414 and 416 of the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12) maybe removed from the case and may be joined together to form a second,smaller carrying case 411. A handle (not shown) may be provided.

[0100] FIGS. 18-21 illustrate two different configurations for atri-fold soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with theteachings of still further embodiments of the present invention, eachdesignated as 710. The cases 710 shown therein each include a lowercompartment 712 and pair of upper compartments 714 and 716. It will benoted that the hinge lines 714 h and 716 h are in different planes whenthe cases 710 are in the folded positions of FIGS. 18 and 20. Theremainder of the cases shown therein may be constructed in accordancewith the teachings of the above-described embodiments.

[0101]FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a soft-sided carrying case 810 having aplurality of compartments 812, 814, 816, 818, and 820. The compartments814 and 816 pivot about vertical hinge lines 814 h and 816 h, while thecompartment 818 may pivot about a horizontal hinge line 818 h (FIG. 23).The compartment 820 my be removable as shown in FIG. 23, or may pivotabout a hinge line 820 h (FIG. 23).

[0102] FIGS. 24-26 illustrate two additional embodiments incorporatingthe teachings of the present invention.

[0103] Referring now to FIGS. 27-31, a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a further disclosedexample of the invention is shown and is referred to by the referencenumeral 910. As shown in FIG. 27, the carrying case 910 includes a lowercompartment 912 and at least one upper compartment, with a pair of uppercompartments 913, 914 being shown. The carrying case 910 includes an end916, which may include a pair of wheels 918 and a foot 920 that alsofunctions as a handle. The foot 920 may perform an additional functionas will be discussed in greater detail below. It will be noted that whenthe wheels 918 and the foot 920 are provided, the carrying case 910 maybe positioned in a generally vertical position similar to that shown inFIG. 47.

[0104] The carrying case 910 also may include a number of externalpockets, with two such pockets 911 a, 911 b being shown. Each of thepockets 911 a and 911 b may be provided with a suitable closingmechanism such as a zipper, a hook and loop closure, or any othersuitable mechanism. The carrying case 910 also may include a retractablehandle 915 (FIG. 31) of the type commonly employed in the art, and mayalso include one or more carrying straps or additional handles of thetype commonly employed in the art.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the lower compartment 912 includesa top wall 922 (FIG. 28), a bottom wall 924, and a plurality ofsidewalls 926 a, 926 b, 926 c, and 926 d. The top wall 922 of the lowercompartment preferably includes an openable flap surrounded by a zipper(FIG. 28). The upper compartment 913 includes a plurality of sidewalls913 a, 913 b, 913 c (FIG. 28), and 913 d, along with a top wall 913 eand a bottom wall 913 f. Similarly, the upper compartment 914 includes atop wall 928, a bottom wall 930, and a plurality of sidewalls 932 a, 932b, 932 c, and 932 d.

[0106] Each of the upper compartments 913 and 914 preferably includes anopenable flap surrounded by a zipper (FIG. 28). In the disclosedexample, the openable flap is defined in the exposed bottom wall 930,although the flap may be defined in one of the sidewalls or on one ofthe sidewalls and the bottom wall. It is also conceivable that the flapmay extend to or be defined solely on the top wall.

[0107] It will be noted that each of the sidewalls, top walls, andbottom walls for the aforementioned lower compartment 912 and uppercompartments 913 and 914 may be suitably sized so that the carrying case910 has the desired dimensions and may, when viewed in plan, be squareor rectangular. Similarly, each of the sidewalls for the aforementionedlower compartment 912 and upper compartments 913 and 914 may be suitablysized so that the carrying case may, when viewed in elevation, berelatively short or relatively tall.

[0108] A hinge 934 pivotally joins the upper compartment 914 to thelower compartment 912. It will be understood that the upper compartment913 will also include a hinge (not shown). For the sake of brevity, onlythe hinge 934 connecting the upper compartment 914 to the lowercompartment 912 will be described herein in detail. It will also benoted that the upper compartment 914 is sized so as to cover more thanfifty percent (50%) of the surface area of the lower compartment 912,and such that the upper compartment 914 is significantly larger in termsof volume than the upper compartment 913. In the disclosed example, theupper compartment 914 may cover as much as sixty to seventy five percent(60% to 75%) or more of the surface area of the lower compartment 912.The upper compartment 913, due to its smaller size, need not include thesame hinge 934 as will be described below, but instead include a moreconventional hinge.

[0109] The sidewall 926 a of the lower compartment 912 includes alongitudinal edge 936, and the sidewall 932 a of the upper compartment914 includes a longitudinal edge 938. The hinge 934 is positioned on thecarrying case 910 so as to extend generally parallel to the longitudinaledges 936 and 938. It will appreciated that the hinge 934 may bedisposed along other longitudinal edges of the upper and lowercompartments as desired. A zipper 939 is preferably provided forsecuring the upper compartments 913 and 914 to each other. In thedisclosed example, the zipper 939 serves to maintain the uppercompartments 913 and 914 in the folded position of FIG. 27 in which theupper compartments 913 and 914 are disposed over the lower compartment912.

[0110] Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29, the hinge 934 includes a pairof flexible layers 940 and 942. The layer 940 includes edges 940 a and940 b, while the layer 942 includes edges 942 a and 942 b. Preferably,both of the layers are manufactured of a flexible material, with aflexible fabric material being preferred. More specifically, the layers940 and 942 may be manufactured of a suitable grade of nylon material,such as denier nylon. Other flexible materials that may be sewn in placeor otherwise suitably secured may also prove suitable.

[0111] Preferably, the layers 940 and 942 may be secured in place bysewing. More specifically, a generally planar widened section of theedges 940 a and 942 a are preferably sewn (e.g., immediately over,immediately under, or otherwise sandwiched therein) to the top wall 922of the lower compartment 912, with the widened sections of the edges 940a and 942 a disposed parallel to the top wall 922. Similarly, agenerally planar widened section of the edges 940 b and 942 b arepreferably sewn in a similar manner to the bottom wall 930 of the uppercompartment 914, with the widened section of the edges 940 b and 942 bdisposed parallel to the bottom wall 930 of the upper compartment 914.Bartack stitching may prove especially beneficial for purposes ofdurability.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 29, the layers 940 and 942, when viewed incross-section, have different widths. Thus, when the upper compartment914 is positioned as shown in FIG. 29, the layer 940 is stretched taut(e.g., the layer 940 is stressed in a direction perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the hinge 934). When the upper compartment 914 isin the unfolded position of FIG. 34, it will be noted that the layer 942may be slack. Also, when the upper compartment 914 is in the unfoldedposition of FIG. 29, the foot 920 makes contact with the a stiffenedsection 943 (FIGS. 27 and 29). Thus, the foot 920 helps to maintain adesired distance between the sidewall 934 a of the upper compartment 914and the sidewall 926 a of the lower compartment. In the disclosedexample, the desired distance is chosen such that the bottom wall 930 ofthe upper compartment 914 will remain generally parallel with the topwall 922 of the lower compartment 912 when the upper compartment 914 isin the unfolded position. As shown in FIG. 27, the layer 942 is sized soas to maintain the edge 936 of the upper compartment 914 closelyadjacent to the edge 938 of the lower compartment 912. In this foldedposition, the layer 940 may be generally slack.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 32, a soft-sided carrying case assembled inaccordance with the teachings of yet another disclosed example of theinvention is shown and is referred to by the reference numeral 1010. Thecarrying case 1010 includes a lower compartment 1012 and at least oneupper compartment, with a pair of upper compartments 1013, 1014 beingshown. The carrying case 1010 includes an end 1016, which may include apair of wheels 1018 and a foot 1020 that also functions as a handle. Itwill be noted that should the wheels 1018 and the foot 1020 be provided,the carrying case 1010 maybe positioned in the generally verticalposition shown in FIG. 47.

[0114] The carrying case 1010 also may include a number of externalpockets, with three such pockets 1011 a-c being shown. Each of thepockets 1011 a-c may be provided with a suitable closing mechanism suchas a zipper or a hook and loop closure or any other suitable mechanism.The carrying case 1010 also may include a retractable handle 1015 of thetype commonly employed in the art, and may also include one or morecarrying straps 1017, also of the type commonly employed in the art.

[0115] The lower compartment 1012 includes a top wall 1022, a bottomwall 1024, and a plurality of sidewalls 1026 a, 1026 b, 1026 c, and 1026d. The top wall 1022 of the lower compartment preferably includes anopenable flap surrounded by a zipper (FIG. 33). The upper compartment1013 includes a plurality of sidewalls 1013 a, 1013 b, 1013 c, and 1013d, along with a top wall 1013 e and a bottom wall 1013 f. Similarly, theupper compartment 1014 includes a top wall 1028, a bottom wall 1030, anda plurality of sidewalls 1032 a, 1032 b, 1032 c, and 1032 d.

[0116] Each of the upper compartments 1013 and 1014 preferably includesan openable flap surrounded by a zipper (FIG. 33). In the disclosedexample, the openable flap is defined in the exposed bottom wall 1030,although the flap may be defined in one of the sidewalls or on one ofthe sidewalls and the bottom wall. It is also conceivable that the flapmay extend to or be defined solely on the top wall.

[0117] It will be noted that each of the sidewalls, top walls, andbottom walls for the aforementioned lower compartment 1012 and uppercompartments 1013 and 1014 may be suitably sized so that the carryingcase 1010 has the desired dimensions and may, when viewed in plan, besquare or rectangular. Similarly, each of the sidewalls for theaforementioned lower compartment 1012 and upper compartments 1013 and1014 may be suitably sized so that the carrying case may, when viewed inelevation, be relatively short or relatively tall.

[0118] A hinge 1034 pivotally joins the upper compartment 1014 to thelower compartment. It will be understood that the upper compartment 1013will also include a hinge (not shown). For the sake of brevity, only thehinge 1034 connecting the upper compartment 1014 to the lowercompartment 1012 will be described herein in detail. The sidewall 1026 aof the lower compartment 1012 includes a longitudinal edge 1036, and thesidewall 1032 a of the upper compartment 1014 includes a longitudinaledge 1038. The hinge 1034 is positioned on the carrying case 1010 so asto extend generally parallel to the longitudinal edges 1036 and 1038. Itwill appreciated that the hinge 1034 may be disposed along otherlongitudinal edges of the upper and lower compartments as desired. Azipper 1039 is preferably provided for securing the upper compartments1013 and 1014 to each other. In the disclosed example, the zipper 1039serves to maintain the upper compartments 1013 and 1014 in the foldedposition of FIG. 32 in which the upper compartments 1013 and 1014 aredisposed over the lower compartment 1012.

[0119] Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34, the hinge 1034 includes a pairof flexible layers 1040 and 1042. The layer 1034 includes edges 1040 aand 1040 b, while the layer 1042 includes edges 1042 a and 1042 b.Preferably, both of the layers are manufactured of a flexible material,with a flexible fabric material being preferred. More specifically, thelayers 1040 and 1042 are preferably manufactured of a suitable grade ofdenier nylon. Other flexible materials that may be sewn in place orotherwise suitably secured may also prove suitable.

[0120] Preferably, the layers 1040 and 1042 may be secured in place bysewing. More specifically, a generally planar widened section of theedges 1040 a and 1042 a are preferably sewn to the top wall 1022 of thelower compartment 1012, with the widened sections of the edges 1040 aand 1042 a disposed parallel to the top wall 1022. Similarly, agenerally planar widened section of the edges 1040 b and 1042 b arepreferably sewn to the bottom wall 1030 of the upper compartment 1014,with the widened section of the edges 1040 b and 1042 b disposedparallel to the bottom wall 1030 of the upper compartment 1014. Bartackstitching may prove especially beneficial for purposes of durability.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 34, the layers 1040 and 1042, when viewed incross-section, have different widths. Thus, when the upper compartment1014 is positioned as shown in FIG. 34, the layer 1040 is stretched taut(e.g., the layer 1040 is stressed in a direction perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the hinge 1034). When the upper compartment 1014 isin the unfolded position of FIG. 34, it will be noted that the layer1042 may be slack. Also, when the upper compartment 1014 is in theunfolded position of FIG. 34, there may be contact between the sidewall1034 a of the upper compartment 1014 and the sidewall 1026 a of thelower compartment. Thus, if the layer 1040 is properly sized, the bottomwall 1030 of the upper compartment 1014 will remain generally parallelwith the top wall 1022 of the lower compartment 1012. Further, as shownin FIG. 32, the layer 1042 is sized so as to maintain the edge 1036 ofthe upper compartment 1014 closely adjacent to the edge 1038 of thelower compartment 1012. In this position, the layer 1040 may begenerally slack.

[0122] Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, soft-sided carrying case 1110is shown which employs a detachable hinge 1134. The detachable hinge1134 may be used with one or more of the foregoing exemplary soft-sidedcarrying cases. The carrying case 1110 includes a lower compartment 1112and at least one upper compartment 1114. The carrying case may includeone or more additional upper compartments in accordance with one or moreof the foregoing embodiments. Further, it will be understood that theupper compartment(s) 1114 and the lower compartment 1112 may includewheels, handles, straps, openable flaps with zippers or other suitableclosing mechanisms, in accordance with one or more of the precedingexamples.

[0123] The lower compartment 1112 includes a top wall 1122, a bottomwall 1124, and a plurality of sidewalls, with only a selected sidewall1126 a being shown. The upper compartment 1114 includes a top wall 1128,a bottom wall 1130, and a plurality of sidewalls 1132 a, 1132 b, 1132 c,and 1132 d.

[0124] One or more detachable hinges 1134 are provided for pivotallyjoining the upper compartment 1114 to the lower compartment 1112. In theexample shown, the hinge 1134 includes a strap 1136 having a pair ofends 1138 a, 1138 b. The end 1138 a is secured to the bottom wall 1130,such as by bartack stitching. The ends 1138 a, 1138 b are provided witha hook an loop closure 1140. A loop 1142 is secured to the lowercompartment 1112. Preferably, the loop 1142 will be secured along alongitudinal edge 1144 of the lower compartment 1112. The strap 1136 issized to extend through the loop 1142 and fold back upon itself, suchthat the ends 1138 a, 1138 b may be secured to each other using the hookand loop closure 1140.

[0125] Referring now to FIG. 37, another form of the strap 1136 isshown, in which a snap 1146 is used in place of the hook and loopclosure. It will be understood that other forms of closing or securingmechanisms may be provided, such as, by way of example rather thanlimitation, buttons, clips, and/or buckles.

[0126] Referring now to FIGS. 38 and 39, another form of the strap 1136is shown, in which a buckle 1148 is used.

[0127] Referring now to FIGS. 40, 41 and 42, an elongate cylindricalpost 1150 is secured to the upper compartment 1114. A receiver 1152having a slot 1154 is secured to the lower compartment 1112. The post1150 slides into the receiver 1152 in a direction generally parallel tothe hinge line A, which in turn is disposed parallel to the adjoininglongitudinal edges of the lower and upper compartments 1112, 1114,respectively. Preferably, the post 1150 will include a flange 1151 tolimit the insertion of the post 1150 into the receiver 1152. The post1150 may include a web 1150 a secured to the upper compartment 1114 bybartack stitching or any other suitable attachment. Similarly, thereceiver 1152 may include a web 1152 a secured to the lower compartment1114 by bartack stitching or other suitable means.

[0128] Referring now to FIGS. 43 through 46, a soft-sided carrying caseassembled in accordance with the teachings of a further disclosedexample of the invention is shown and is referred to by the referencenumeral 1210. The carrying case 1210 includes a lower compartment 1212and at least one upper compartment, with a pair of upper compartments1213, 1214 being shown. The carrying case 1210 includes an end 1216,which may include a pair of wheels 1218 and a foot 1220 that alsofunctions as a handle. The carrying case 1210 also may include a numberof external pockets as desired. The carrying case 1210 also may includea retractable handle 1215 of the type commonly employed in the art, andmay also include one or more carrying straps 1217, also of the typecommonly employed in the art.

[0129] The lower compartment 1212 includes a top wall 1222, a bottomwall 1224, and a plurality of sidewalls 1226 a, 1226 b, 1226 c, and 1226d. The top wall 1222 of the lower compartment preferably includes anopenable flap surrounded by a zipper (FIG. 44). The upper compartment1213 includes a plurality of sidewalls 1213 a, 1213 b, 1213 c, and 1213d, along with a top wall 1213 e and a bottom wall 1213 f. Similarly, theupper compartment 1214 includes a top wall 1228, a bottom wall 1230, anda plurality of sidewalls 1232 a, 1232 b, 1232 c, and 1232 d. Each of theupper compartments 1213 and 1214 preferably includes an openable flapsurrounded by a zipper (FIG. 44). A zipper 1239 is preferably providedfor securing the upper compartments 1213 and 1214 to each other. In thedisclosed example, the zipper 1239 serves to maintain the uppercompartments 1213 and 1214 in the folded position of FIG. 43 in whichthe upper compartments 1213 and 1214 are disposed over the lowercompartment 1212.

[0130] A detachable hinge 1234 pivotally joins the upper compartments1213 and 1214 to the lower compartment 1212. The sidewall 1226 a of thelower compartment 1212 includes a longitudinal edge 1236, and thesidewall 1232 a of the upper compartment 1214 includes a longitudinaledge 1238. In the example shown, the hinge 1234 is defined by a zipper,thus enabling the upper compartments 1213 and 1214 to pivot as outlinedabove with respect the preceding examples. The zipper also enables theupper compartments 1213 and 1214 to be detached from the lowercompartment 1212, and subsequently be attached to each other as shown inFIGS. 45 and 46 to form a second, smaller soft-sided carrying case 1210a.

[0131] Although certain exemplary embodiments constructed in accordancewith the teachings of the invention have been described herein, thescope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On thecontrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of theinvention fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims eitherliterally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed:
 1. A soft-sided carrying case comprising: a lowercompartment, the lower compartment including a plurality of sidewalls, atop wall and a bottom wall; at least one upper compartment, the uppercompartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottomwall; a hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall of the uppercompartment to a selected sidewall of the lower compartment, the hingepermitting the upper compartment to pivot about a hinge line between afolded position in which the bottom wall of the upper compartment isdisposed in confronting relation with at least a portion of the top wallof the lower compartment, and an unfolded position; and wherein thehinge includes a first fabric layer arranged to maintain the bottom wallof the upper compartment in a generally horizontal position when theupper compartment is in the unfolded position.
 2. The carrying case ofclaim 1, wherein the hinge includes a second fabric layer, the secondfabric layer maintaining an edge of the selected sidewall of the uppercompartment closely adjacent to an edge of the selected sidewall of thelower compartment.
 3. The carrying case of claim 2, wherein the firstfabric layer is sized to be slack when the upper compartment is in thefolded position, and further wherein the first fabric layer is sized tobe stressed in a direction generally perpendicular to the hinge linewhen the upper compartment is in the unfolded position.
 4. The carryingcase of claim 1, wherein lower compartment includes a pair of longsidewalls and a pair of short sidewalls, and wherein the selectedsidewall of the lower compartment comprises one of the long sidewalls.5. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein lower compartment includes apair of long sidewalls and a pair of short sidewalls, and wherein theselected sidewall of the lower compartment comprises one of the shortsidewalls.
 6. The carrying case of claim 1, including a second uppercompartment, the second upper compartment having a plurality ofsidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall; a second hinge pivotallyjoining a selected sidewall of the second upper compartment to a secondselected sidewall of the lower compartment, the second hinge permittingthe upper compartment to pivot about a second hinge line between afolded position in which the bottom wall of the second upper compartmentis disposed in confronting relation with another portion of the top wallof the lower compartment, and an unfolded position; and wherein thesecond hinge includes a first fabric layer arranged to maintain thebottom wall of the second upper compartment in a generally horizontalposition when the second upper compartment is in the unfolded position.7. The carrying case of claim 6, wherein the first hinge line isparallel to the second hinge line.
 8. A soft-sided carrying casecomprising: a lower compartment, the lower compartment including aplurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall; at least one uppercompartment, the upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, atop wall, and a bottom wall; at least one hinge pivotally joining aselected sidewall of the upper compartment to a selected sidewall of thelower compartment, the hinge permitting the upper compartment to pivotabout a hinge line between a folded position in which the bottom wall ofthe upper compartment is disposed in confronting relation with at leasta portion of the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfoldedposition; the hinge defined exclusively by first and second flexiblelayers, each of the layers including a first longitudinal edge securedadjacent to a longitudinal edge of the lower compartment and a secondlongitudinal edge secured adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the uppercompartment.
 9. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the first andsecond flexible layers comprise a fabric.
 10. The carrying case of claim8, wherein the first longitudinal edge of the first and second flexiblelayers are secured along a common seam on the lower compartment, andwherein the second longitudinal edge of the first and second flexiblelayers are secured along a common seam on the upper compartment.
 11. Thecarrying case of claim 8, wherein the first and second longitudinaledges of the first flexible layer are spaced apart a first distance, thefirst distance sized so that the first flexible layer is stressed in adirection perpendicular to the hinge line only when the uppercompartment is in the unfolded position.
 12. The carrying case of claim11, wherein the first and second longitudinal edges of the secondflexible layer are spaced apart a second distance, the second distancesized so that the second flexible layer is generally unstressed in adirection perpendicular to the hinge line when the upper compartment isin the unfolded position.
 13. The carrying case of claim 12, wherein thefirst longitudinal edge of the first and second flexible layers aredisposed generally parallel to the top wall of the lower compartment,and wherein the second longitudinal edge of the first and secondflexible layers are disposed generally parallel to the bottom wall ofthe upper compartment.
 14. A soft-sided carrying case comprising: alower compartment, the lower compartment including a plurality ofsidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall; at least one upper compartment,the upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and abottom wall; at least one hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall ofthe upper compartment to a selected sidewall of the lower compartment,the hinge permitting the upper compartment to pivot about a hinge linebetween a folded position in which the bottom wall of the uppercompartment is disposed in confronting relation with at least a portionof the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfolded position;means for maintaining the bottom wall of the upper compartment generallyparallel to the top wall of the lower compartment when the uppercompartment is in the unfolded position, the means defined at least inpart by a flexible fabric layer carried by the hinge.
 15. The carryingcase of claim 14, the means further defined by a spacing member, thespacing member carried by at least one of the selected sidewall of theupper compartment and the selected sidewall of the lower compartment.16. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein the selected sidewall of thelower compartment and the selected sidewall of the upper compartmenttogether define an end, and wherein the means is further defined by aspacing member mounted to the end, the spacing member including a groundengaging surface to thereby permit the carrying case to be supported onthe end in an upright position on a support surface.
 17. The carryingcase of claim 14, wherein the upper compartment covers more than fiftypercent of the top wall of the lower compartment when the uppercompartment is in the folded position.
 18. The carrying case of claim17, wherein the upper compartment covers at least sixty percent of thetop wall of the lower compartment when the upper compartment is in thefolded position.
 19. The carrying case of claim 18, wherein the means isfurther defined by cooperating first and second structures, the firststructure carried by the selected sidewall of the lower compartment andthe second structure carried by the selected sidewall of the uppercompartment, the first and second structures engaging each other whenthe upper compartment is in the unfolded position.
 20. The carrying caseof claim 19, wherein the first structure comprises a stiffened panel,and wherein the second structure comprises a foot having a groundengaging surface, the ground engaging surface cooperating with a set ofwheels mounted adjacent the selected sidewall of the lower compartmentto thereby permit the carrying case to be supported on an end in anupright position on a support surface.
 21. A soft-sided carrying casecomprising: a lower compartment, the lower compartment including aplurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall; at least one uppercompartment, the upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, atop wall, and a bottom wall; and a hinge pivotally joining a selectedsidewall of the upper compartment to a selected sidewall of the lowercompartment, the hinge permitting the upper compartment to pivot about ahinge line between a folded position in which the bottom wall of theupper compartment is disposed in confronting relation with at least aportion of the top wall of the lower compartment, and an unfoldedposition; and the hinge including a separable connection, the separableconnection permitting the upper compartment to be separated from thelower compartment.
 22. The carrying case of claim 21, wherein theseparable connection of the hinge engages at least one of the top wallof the lower compartment and the bottom wall of the upper compartment soas to be accessible for separation only when the upper compartment is inthe unfolded position.
 23. The carrying case of claim 21, wherein theseparable connection includes a loop and a strap sized to extend throughand engage the loop, the strap including a securement mechanism formaintaining the strap in engagement with the loop.
 24. The carrying caseof claim 23, wherein the securement mechanism includes an item selectedfrom the group consisting of snaps, buttons, velcro, buckles andzippers.
 25. The carrying case of claim 21, further comprising: a secondupper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and abottom wall; and a hinge pivotally joining a selected sidewall of thesecond upper compartment to a second selected sidewall of the lowercompartment, the hinge of the second upper compartment permitting thesecond upper compartment to pivot about a second hinge line between afolded position in which the bottom wall of the second upper compartmentis disposed in confronting relation with another portion of the top wallof the lower compartment, and an unfolded position; the second hingeincluding the separable connection; the separable connection permittingboth of the upper compartments to be separated from the lowercompartment; and the separable connection on both of the uppercompartments arranged to cooperate with each other to permit both of theupper compartments to be joined to each other after removal from thelower compartment.
 26. The carrying case of claim 25, wherein theseparable connection includes an item selected from the group consistingof snaps, buttons, velcro, buckles and zippers.
 27. The carrying case ofclaim 21, wherein the upper compartment includes a fastener arranged tomaintain the upper compartment in the folded position.
 28. The carryingcase of claim 21, wherein the separable connection includes a post and areceiver shaped to receive the post, the post disposed in the receiverwhen the separable connection is connected.
 29. The carrying case ofclaim 28, wherein the post is sized to be frictionally received withinthe receiver, and wherein the post is withdrawn from the receiver byshifting the upper compartment along an axis parallel to a longitudinaledge of the selected sidewall of the lower compartment.
 30. The carryingcase of claim 29, wherein the post includes a limit flange.